Nurses’ experiences and perceptions of hourly rounding: a private Australian catholic hospital single case study

Aim: This research paper reports on nurses’ experiences and perceptions of hourly rounding undertaken at private Catholic acute care regional hospital in Australia.

Background: Evidence suggests that structured nursing rounds are associated with positive outcomes. However, a number of barriers to effective hourly rounding have been reported. Rounding practices were implemented in a medical/ surgical ward at a regional hospital in Australia, in 2014, aiming to reduce the risk of patient falls and enhance the patient experience.

Methods: A qualitative, exploratory descriptive single case study design was utilised. Fifteen (15) nurses participated in the study and data were generated using Hermeneutic phenomenological interview technique. Transcriptions of each interview were analysed using both content and thematic analysis approaches.

Results: The experiences and perceptions of the nurse participants involved in the study were found to centre on the following themes and subthemes: 1. Support for rounding practice 2. Barriers to rounding practice a) High workload and time-pressure b) Documentation

Conclusion: The implementation of rounding was perceived to be useful and overall supported by the participants. Relocating nursing documentation and reviewing the model of care were highlighted as recommendations to improve compliance and support ongoing sustainability of rounding.